February 10 / Hawker Demon first flight
First Flight 10 February 1933
Hawker Demon
The Hawker Demon was developed as a fighter variant of the highly successful Hawker Hart light bomber, an aircraft that had taken the skies by storm during the inter-war period. Its origins lie in the RAF’s realization that its existing fighters sometimes struggled to keep pace with the nimble and speedy Hart bombers during training exercises. The need for a quick-response, interim fighter paved the way for the adaptation of the Hart’s enduring design, resulting in the creation of the Demon.
Drawing extensively from the Hart’s construction, the Demon maintained a two-seat configuration and a robust metal structure that had served its predecessor so well. However, several key modifications were introduced to better suit the demands of air combat. The aircraft’s armament was enhanced by adding an extra forward-firing Vickers machine gun, while changes in the design of the gunner’s cockpit improved its field of fire. Meanwhile, a supercharged version of the Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine was installed to boost performance and ensure that the Demon could match or exceed the speed of contemporary fighters.
The Demon took its maiden flights in the early 1930s and quickly proved its worth during rigorous evaluations by the RAF. An initial test run using a small batch of aircraft confirmed its potential, leading to larger production orders. Approximately 305 Demons were built, with about 232 serving in the Royal Air Force. Its role was never intended to be long-lived; it was conceived as an interim solution while more modern fighters, like the Hawker Fury and other specialized designs, were still under development. Nonetheless, the Demon managed to fill a critical gap during a pivotal era of aviation.
In addition to British service, the Demon was also produced under license for the Royal Australian Air Force, where slight modifications such as a more powerful engine were introduced to meet local operational needs. These Australian variants not only enhanced the fighter capabilities but also served effectively in training roles, further solidifying the Demon’s reputation as a versatile aircraft during a period of rapid military aviation advancement.
Although the Hawker Demon was eventually relegated to secondary roles as newer fighter designs emerged, its development remains a noteworthy example of innovation and adaptability in early aviation history. Its evolution from the Hart bomber design is a testament to the ingenuity of engineers striving to meet changing combat requirements, and the Demon continues to be remembered by aviation enthusiasts as an important stepping stone between eras of aerial warfare.
Hawker Demon Facts
Origin in the Hart Family: Developed from the Hawker Hart light bomber, the Demon was an innovative fighter adaptation. It retained much of the Hart’s sleek biplane design while incorporating modifications that turned it into a capable fighter, illustrating how designers of the era repurposed proven airframes for new combat roles.
Interim Fighter Role: The Demon was conceived as a stopgap measure. With more advanced fighters like the Hawker Fury yet to be produced in sufficient numbers, the Demon filled an essential gap in air defence during the early 1930s, providing the RAF with a capable two-seat fighter until more modern designs came along.
Enhanced Armament: In contrast to its bomber counterpart, the Demon sported improved firepower. The fighter variant was equipped with an extra Vickers machine gun, and its rear cockpit was redesigned with an angled coaming to allow the gunner a better field of fire – a critical change for air-to-air combat.
Supercharged Kestrel Engine: The Demon was powered by a supercharged version of the Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine. This upgrade provided it with the additional performance needed for a fighter role, giving it better speed and climb rate compared to the standard Hart bomber configuration.
First Flight and Production: The production Demon made its debut on 10 February 1933. Over its production run, a total of 305 Hawker Demons were built, of which 232 were delivered for service with the Royal Air Force. The production was carried out jointly by Hawker and Boulton Paul Aircraft at their Wolverhampton facility.
Two-Seat Configuration: Maintaining its twin-seat arrangement (with the pilot and a rear gunner), the Demon allowed for both offensive and defensive roles. This configuration was particularly useful for army cooperation and provided additional flexibility in missions where observation and communication were key.
Operational Service: The Demon served primarily in the 1930s and saw mostly second-line operations during the early stages of the Second World War. Although its performance was soon surpassed by more modern fighters, its service record showed that it was a robust and adaptable aircraft well-suited to its transitional role.
Export Variants – The Australian Connection: In addition to RAF service, the Demon was exported. The Royal Australian Air Force used versions known as the Australian Demon I (a general-purpose fighter) and the Australian Demon II (a training version with dual controls and target-towing capability), further demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility and export appeal.
Mixed Production Contributions: While Hawker was primarily responsible for its initial development and early production, manufacturing contributions from companies like Boulton Paul reflected the collaborative industrial effort of the time. This helped ensure that the RAF and allied forces could receive the aircraft in the numbers needed for their defenses.
Legacy and Evolution: Although the Demon was eventually overshadowed by later high-performance fighters, its design paved the way for further modifications and variants in the Hart family – including derivatives that fulfilled roles ranging from army cooperation (the Audax and Hartebeest) to naval operations (the Osprey). The Demon’s legacy is one of adaptive engineering, providing valuable lessons in rapid design and multi-role capability.
